THE motion proposed by Councillor Reg Johnstone and accepted by the authority read:

This council:

1 Deplores the loss of the accident and emergency services and acute in-patient services brought about by the withdrawal of substantial specialist cover by the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

2 Asserts that the removal of services was entirely a strategic choice and in no way reflected on the past performance of Kidderminster Hospital.

3 Believes that the major barriers to restoring core services to Kidderminster Hospital are:

A leadership and policy failure at NHS region and board level within the Worcestershire Health Authority and the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

A lack of appreciation and understanding of the true needs of local people.

A lack of a coherent framework to implement changes smoothly and efficiently.

A tradition of "we know best" and constantly changing targets to cope with a developing crisis.

A lack of support and respect for hospital consultants and staff.

A refusal to recognise that a much better hospital configuration is possible.

A refusal to fund blue-light services and in-patient medical care at Kidderminster despite additional money being available.

4 Appeals to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State to make an early commitment to the much heralded NHS plan by:

Acknowledging that the current acute health services in Worcestershire are at "red" (failing) on the new traffic light system proposed for the NHS.

Shaping hospital services for Wyre Forest people around the needs and preferences of patients and families.

Responding to the genuine needs of the Wyre Forest locality.

Devoting public funds, qualified personnel, equipment and other technical capacity to restore accident and emergency services and acute in-patient services to Kidderminster Hospital.

5 Urges the recently formed Modernisation Board under the chairmanship of Sir Jeremy Beecham and the new NHS chief executive and permanent secretary Nigel Crisp to support the council in its bid to restore and keep services to Kidderminster Hospital.

6 Calls for better communication, openness, integrity and greater accountability in our local acute health services to regain the confidence of the professions and the people.